A BITTERLY disappointed Dave Wild summed up his feelings in two sentences: “I should be planning to go to Morpeth and instead I’ll be watching a game at Maine Road. It’s soul destroying.”
MOSSLEY have no match tomorrow (Saturday) after being ejected from the FA Trophy for playing loanee Elliot Goldthorp when he was ineligible. Bradford City failed to send an email giving their permission for him to appear in the last round where he scored a hat-trick against Cleethorpes.
The Seel Park boss added: “I’m very disappointed because we’ve been penalised for someone else’s error. We’re out of the Trophy and we’ve lost a few thousand pounds. It’s so frustrating.
“Liverpool were only fined for what they did in the Carabao Cup. We didn’t even have time to appeal.
“What volunteer secretaries are expected to do and know at non-league level is amazing. Ours, John Wharmby, is really down about what’s happened but it wasn’t his fault. Bradford City have a full-time administrative staff and should have provided that email.
“I’m most disappointed for the players — who’ve not only missed out on the next round but also a week’s earnings — and for Eliot who scored those three goals.”
But beyond the Trophy, Wild is in confident mood. “I’ve got a really good feeling about the current crop of players. They’re talented and hungry,” he commented.
He’s added to the squad by signing two wingers: Brad Lynch from Atherton Collieries and Jamie Hill from Maine Road.
Astley Mulholland has gone to Cheadle Town to gain some match fitness after his long lay-off with a broken leg. Striker Adam Morgan has signed for Widnes. “It just didn’t work out as it should,” said Wild, “probably because of his job taking him all over the country. But Adam’s a great lad and I wish him all the best.”
HYDE UNITED manager Dave McGurk has responded to an injury crisis by making four late signings.
James Nield, on dual registration from Curzon, is a defender who was recently at Barnsley. Jordan Wynne, ex-Prescot Cables, is a central midfielder. Jack Gibney, another midfielder, comes in from the reserves, and Chris Sharp is a striker who has played at several clubs including Stalybridge and FC United.
McGurk has nine players unable to play in the Trophy tie at Buxton including the injured Liam Tongue. Jack Dyche is suspended.
If the game is decided, the Tigers will be home to Cheadle in the Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday. If it’s drawn, it’ll be the Trophy replay.
Jody Banim is expecting a tough encounter at Warrington, who he expects to be stronger than they were when losing to Stalybridge last week. “Bohan Dixon, Curzon winger Jack Banister and Steve Jennings should all feature,” he said.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC’s home clash with South Shields was called off earlier this evening because of a waterlogged pitch. It will now take place on Tuesday.
All winning sides in the FA Trophy first qualifying round receive £2,450. The losers get £800.
Robbie Evans is back in training for CURZON ASHTON who face Kettering Town at the Tameside Stadium in National League North.
Manager Mark Bradshaw has made two signings as his team look for their first win in two months: Crewe striker Lewis Reilly and 1874 Northwich midfielder Aaron Smith.
In the BetVictor NPL first division north west, DROYLSDEN defender Diego Lattie remains sidelined and will miss the visit to Tadcaster. Shaq Clarke is on the way back to fitness but unlikely to figure.
Scott Kay returns for GLOSSOP NORTH END who are home to Belper in a Derbyshire derby in the first division south east.
Moussa Samassa and Joel Mills remain suspended. Roberto Hoshieh and Will Holt have been loaned to Cheadle and Alsager respectively to gain fitness.
Because of today’s heavy rain most games are subject to pitch inspections in the morning. Check before you travel.